CN107645920B

CN107645920B - Cleaning device and method for cleaning an article to be cleaned

Info

Publication number: CN107645920B
Application number: CN201680030160.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·高斯; D·莱曼; T·纳格尔
Original assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2015-03-27
Filing date: 2016-03-23
Publication date: 2020-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-23
Also published as: EP3273836A1; WO2016156146A1; DE102015205602A1; HK1245610A1; CN107645920A; US10499789B2; EP3273836B1; US20180008121A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (110) for cleaning an item (124) to be cleaned. The cleaning device (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (128) and at least one cover device (134) at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber (128). The cover device (134) is movable on an opening path from a closed position to an open position or vice versa. The cover device (134) is connected to the at least one spring element (176) via at least one force transmission device (182). At least one spring force of the spring element (176) can be transmitted to the cover device (134) by means of a force transmission device (182). The force transmission device (182) has at least one torque converter (166). The torque converter (166) has a variable gear ratio in the open path.

Description

Cleaning device and method for cleaning an article to be cleaned

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cleaning device and a method for cleaning an article to be cleaned. Such a cleaning device and method can be used in particular in the field of dishwashing, in particular in the commercial field of catering large kitchens and installations. For example, the invention may be used to clean items to be cleaned in the form of items for preparing, serving, preserving or containing food or beverages, such as cutlery, glasses, cups, pans, bowls or trays. In particular, the invention can be applied in hood dishwashers or in straight-through dishwashers. The invention provides, in particular, the possibility of weight compensation of the cover. However, other fields of application are also possible, for example for the cleaning of industrial products, for example in the field of industrial production technology.

Background

A large number of cleaning devices and methods for cleaning different types of items to be cleaned are known from the prior art. Without limiting the other possible possibilities of use, the invention will be described below with respect to the technique of rinsing dishes, i.e. with respect to a cleaning device in the form of a dishwasher. These can be, in particular, commercial dishwashers, wherein, in the following, also without limiting the other possible embodiments, a straight-through dishwasher or a hood dishwasher is described in particular. Examples of such dishwashers are in particular glass washers and dishwashers of the DV series or of the EcoStar series from Mike mechanical manufacturers, Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co.KG, Ohweiburg, Germany, or of the PT series from Winterhalter Deutschland GmbH, Meiken Boylen, Germany. However, the invention can in principle also be applied in other products.

In known hood dishwashers, the hood is generally guided by suitable guides, wherein the operator can move the hood from the closed position into the open position or vice versa by means of corresponding handles and/or levers. Here, the technical challenge generally lies in achieving a weight compensation of the cover, so that the operator does not have to bear the weight of the cover at least completely and, if necessary, the cover remains in the open state.

US3,582,173 describes a dishwasher having a rinsing chamber and a vertically movable door. Furthermore, a counterweight for a door is described, which holds the door in any position to which it is moved by hand.

DE19931877a1 discloses a lever mechanism for spring-assisted actuation of a cover device of a dishwasher. At least one lever is used, which is mounted on a shaft and is connected to a tension spring. Between the lever and the spring, a mechanical control device is arranged which produces a substantially constant lever arm between the hinge point and the shaft over a rotation angle of the shaft of up to approximately 100 °.

EP1068833B1 discloses a handle for a lifting cover device. The handle can be fixed in a horizontal position in the corner regions of two mutually adjacent sides of the cover device. The handle has at least two grip regions which are shaped in such a way that the hand which operates the handle is aligned in its position in an ergonomic manner flush with the forearm. The handle also has a longer first leg oriented towards the front side and a shorter leg oriented towards the side, which legs are connected via a substantially circular section.

From WO2013/109841a 1a dishwasher with a hood is known, which is movably supported in a vertically sliding manner. The dishwasher further has a handle which encloses the housing at least on the front side and at least one side and is rotatably supported about a horizontal axis of rotation in the rear of the housing. Here, spring means are connected between the handle and the housing to balance the weight of the cover.

WO2013/109845a1 describes a dishwasher with a hood supported in a vertically sliding manner and a guide system for the hood. The guiding system has a profiled rail with a double T-shaped cross-section.

In EP1842477B 1a dishwasher is described which is designed for opening and closing a rinsing chamber provided on one side of the dishwasher body. For this purpose, when the rotating arm disposed on one side of the door is rotated, the door is moved upward and downward. The dishwasher further includes a spring, an upper end of which is fixed on a base side of the rotating arm and a lower end of which is fixed on a side of the dishwasher main body. The dishwasher further has a pair of left and right stays provided on both corners on the back surface of the dishwasher main body. The left and right supports are constituted by pipes, and springs are vertically installed in the supports, respectively.

EP1880654B1 describes a dishwasher with a rinsing chamber to be opened and closed. In this case, the swing arm disposed on the side of the door is swung. A rod extending in a vertical direction is provided and connected at its upper end to the proximal end of the rocker arm. The dishwasher comprises a pressure spring extending in a vertical direction and arranged substantially parallel to the bars.

A dishwasher with a rinsing chamber and a hood is known from US4,073,555. A door is provided which can be moved vertically from an upper position into a lower position. Furthermore, a lever is provided which is prestressed by means of a spring and which is connected to the door and keeps the door balanced at any height between the open position and the closed position.

A commercial hood dish washing machine with a hood mounted on at least two vertical guides is known from EP2165636B 1. The cover slides along the guide by means of a compensation spring adapted to limit the force for opening or closing the cover. The at least two guides are telescopic guides and comprise a slidingly supported part to which the cover is fixed and whose movement is driven by means of a cable. The movement of the sliding part is driven by a rope, on which a compensating spring acts via a movable roller, which is arranged on a plate pivotably mounted on the dishwasher structure.

DE10054392a1 discloses a drive device for automatically moving a vertically movable hood which is rotatably mounted on the main body of a dishwasher. In this case, the tensioning mechanism is driven by the tensioning device and/or the release device.

A device for opening a lid of a dishwasher is known from EP1099403B 1. The lid can be moved vertically from the closed position to the open position and vice versa by means of the gripping means. The gripping means can be operated by hand and connected to the movable element of the hydrodynamic adjustment unit. The device also has a resilient return means connected to the movable element to automatically bring the adjustment unit to the inactive position when the lid is in the open position.

However, the cleaning devices known from the prior art have a series of disadvantages or technical challenges in practice. One challenge, for example, is that the mask typically must move over a large path of movement. It may for example be the case that a particular purpose of use requires a greater passage height for introducing the items to be rinsed. In this case, the cam control on the mask holder becomes increasingly difficult in order to compensate for the different forces. In addition, in the case of large travel distances, the grip point on the hood support for the operator is generally shifted to an ergonomically unfavorable height.

Another technical challenge is that in many cases a large movement path can no longer be achieved by means of the guide in the flushing chamber. Furthermore, the guide arranged in the flushing chamber is prone to becoming dirty and the flexibility of the guide tends to decrease with operating time.

A further technical challenge is the weight compensation by means of counterweights known from the above-mentioned prior art. Such weights can add significantly to the overall weight of the dishwasher. Furthermore, in the case of a closed hood, the counterweight can be lifted into the upper region of the dishwasher. However, during transport, this heavy-top-low condition of the dishwasher produces in many cases a great disturbing effect. Furthermore, during installation, the counterweights have to be manipulated by the installer to the respective height, which in many cases requires the use of multiple installers. Another challenge is that during movement of the cover, in addition to the mass of the cover, the mass of the counterweight must be additionally accelerated. In the case of a manually operated mask, this requires the operator to use a greater force. In the case of automatically driven hoods, the drive must be designed to be more powerful.

Another technical challenge is that safety aspects must be considered during the opening and closing movement of the closure. For example, if ropes are used in weight-compensating mechanisms, such ropes must be taken into account in a particularly critical manner in terms of safety. The rope is in practice considered a wear part and is especially prone to sudden loss of flexibility. Security measures are generally required for this.

Object of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device and a method for cleaning an item to be cleaned which at least to a large extent avoid the disadvantages of the known devices and methods. In particular, it should be possible to operate a cover device of a cleaning appliance in a stable and long-lasting manner, which cover device acts reliably over its entire opening path and at the same time meets high safety requirements.

Disclosure of Invention

This object is achieved by a cleaning device and a method having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments which can be implemented individually or in any combination are proposed in the dependent claims.

The terms "having," "including," or "containing" or any grammatical variations thereof are used hereinafter in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these concepts may relate not only to the case where no further features than those introduced by these concepts are present, or (also) to the case where one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "a has B", "a includes B" or "a includes B" refers not only to the case where no further element is present in a other than B (that is to say to the case where a consists only of B), but also to the case where one or more further elements, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements, are present in a other than B.

It will be further understood that when the terms "at least one" and "one or more" and grammatical variations thereof are used in conjunction with one or more elements or features and are intended to indicate that the elements or features can be set forth one or more times, the terms and grammatical variations thereof are generally used only once, such as when the features or elements are first introduced. When the feature or element is referred to again later, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally not used again, without limiting the possibility that the feature or element may be provided one or more times.

Furthermore, the terms "preferred", "in particular", "for example" or similar terms are used below in conjunction with optional features, without thereby limiting alternative embodiments. The features introduced by these terms are therefore optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims by these features and in particular the scope of protection of the independent claims. Thus, as the skilled person will appreciate, the invention may also be implemented using other designs. In a similar manner, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in one embodiment of the invention" are to be understood as optional features, without thereby limiting the alternative design or the scope of protection of the independent claims. Furthermore, all possibilities of combining features thus introduced with other features, whether these are optional or not, should remain unaffected by the expressions introduced.

In a first aspect of the invention, a cleaning device for cleaning an article to be cleaned is suggested. In the context of the present invention, a cleaning device is generally understood to be a device in which items to be cleaned are cleaned by means of at least one cleaning fluid in order to at least partially remove adhering dirt and/or other contaminants from the items to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid may in particular comprise at least one cleaning liquid. Additionally, the cleaning device may also exert a bactericidal or even disinfectant effect on the items to be cleaned. Accordingly, as proposed in the second aspect of the invention, a method for cleaning an article to be cleaned, which is also referred to below as a cleaning method, is to be understood as applying at least one cleaning fluid to the article to be cleaned in order to at least partially remove dirt adhering to the article to be cleaned.

An article to be cleaned is here understood in general as any article that can be subjected to a cleaning or cleaning method, for example an industrial article. Without limiting the further possible embodiments, reference is made here below to the items to be cleaned in the form of items to be rinsed and/or dishes. The items to be rinsed here should in principle comprise any item for preparing, storing, serving or transporting food and/or beverages. In particular, the items to be washed referred to herein may be selected from the group consisting of tableware such as cups, plates, glasses, bowls or dishes; a basin; a tray; a knife and a fork; a heat preservation device; a cartridge; a tank; baskets. Other devices that may be used directly or indirectly to prepare, transport, or serve food and/or beverages or pre-preparation of food and/or beverages may be used. The cleaning device can therefore be designed in particular as a dishwasher and particularly preferably as a hood dishwasher and/or a continuous dishwasher.

The cleaning device further comprises at least one cleaning chamber and at least one covering means at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber. A cleaning chamber is generally understood to be a completely or at least partially screened space in which at least one cleaning fluid and/or a plurality of cleaning fluids can be applied to the items to be cleaned. Thus, for example, at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned can be provided in the cleaning chamber. Furthermore, it is also possible to carry out a complete or partial drying of the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber. The cleaning device can be designed in particular as a single-chamber cleaning device. The items to be cleaned may also be referred to below as items to be rinsed, and the cleaning chamber may also be referred to as rinsing chamber.

As mentioned above, the cleaning device has at least one cover means at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber. A covering device is to be understood here in general as a device or element which at least partially delimits a cleaning chamber and at the same time permits access to the cleaning chamber, for example for loading or unloading items to be cleaned into or out of the cleaning chamber. The cover device can thus form, in particular, a chamber wall of the clean room or a part of a chamber wall of the clean room. In particular, as will be described in more detail below, the cover device can be designed completely or partially as a hood and/or a housing, which is mounted so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction. The cover means may for example comprise a hood which can be moved upwards to open the cleaning chamber and which can be moved downwards to close the cleaning chamber, for example together with the base of the cleaning device.

The cover device is movable on an opening path from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The cover device is therefore generally movably supported, as a result of which the cover device can be brought into at least two different positions, namely an open position and a closed position. The plurality of possible positions between the open position and the closed position, optionally including the open position and the closed position, is referred to as an open path. In particular, the cover device can be supported in such a way that it can be moved manually, for example by a user. Alternatively or additionally, however, an automatic movement can also be provided, for example by means of a motor as described in more detail below.

The cover device is connected to the at least one spring element via the at least one force transmission device. A force transmission means is understood here to mean, in general, an element or a plurality of cooperating elements, by means of which at least one force can be transmitted from a first region, for example a force generator, to at least one second region, for example a force receiver. The force can be transmitted in principle in any form, but mechanical forces are generally preferred, in particular by transmission of pulling forces, pushing forces, torques and other types of machines.

In the context of the present invention, an elastic element is generally understood to be an element which is designed to absorb and/or release elastic energy. In particular, the elastic element can have at least one elastically deformable element. As described in more detail below, the elastic element may comprise, in particular, at least one spiral spring or helical spring. Other elastic elements are in principle also possible. The elastic element may in particular have at least one energy accumulator in which mechanical energy can be stored in the form of elastic deformation. The at least one spring element can be connected, for example, at one end directly or indirectly to a cleaning device, for example a base of the cleaning device, in particular a holder of the cleaning device, wherein the base remains stationary, for example during movement of the cover device. The spring element can be connected to the cover device via the force transmission device by means of at least one further end. In particular, the elastic element can be designed such that it is released from tension during the movement of the cover device from the closed position into the open position and is tensioned, for example stretched, during the movement in the opposite direction. However, a reverse action of the spring element is also possible in principle.

By means of the force transmission means, at least one spring force of the spring element is transmitted to the cover device. For example, the spring force can be designed such that it counteracts the weight force of the cover device, in particular in the case of such cover devices in which the open position is arranged above the closed position and in which the cover device has a greater potential energy or potential energy in the open position than in the closed position. This may be the case, for example, in hood dishwashers or flow-through dishwashers, in which the hood or housing is moved upwards in order to open the cleaning chamber. In such a dishwasher, the spring force may, for example, counteract gravity.

The force transmission device has at least one torque converter. A torque converter is generally understood here to mean an element by means of which a torque can be transmitted, by means of which a torque can be converted into a force, by means of which a force can be converted into a torque, by means of which a torque can be converted into a force and then into a torque again, or by means of which a force can be converted into a torque and then into a force again. Thus, a torque converter may generally be a mechanical/mechanical converter, wherein one or more torques are converted into one or more additional torques and/or into one or more forces. In particular, the torque converter may have at least one transmission, for example at least one transmission selected from the group consisting of a chain transmission, a gear transmission or a friction wheel transmission.

The torque converter is provided in such a way that it has a transmission ratio that is variable in the opening path. A transmission ratio is generally understood here to mean a ratio between the drive rotational speed and the output rotational speed. Thus, a first torque can be applied to the torque converter and converted into a second torque, wherein the ratio between the first torque and the second torque or the inverse thereof can be referred to as a speed ratio or a transmission ratio. In the open path, a variable transmission ratio is generally understood here to mean that the torque converter has a first transmission ratio in at least one first position or in at least one first region of the open path of the cover device and a second transmission ratio in at least one second position or in at least one second region of the open path, wherein the first transmission ratio and the second transmission ratio differ from one another. The transmission ratio can thus be varied continuously, for example, over at least one region of the opening path. Alternatively or additionally, however, one or more regions may also be provided in which a stepwise change in the transmission ratio occurs. Examples will be explained in more detail below.

Many of the above problems can be solved by a variable transmission ratio in the opening path. In particular, therefore, the problem can be solved that the spring force of the at least one spring element can depend on the stretched state of the spring element. In this respect, reference may be made, for example, to hooke's law. By using a torque converter with a variable transmission ratio, the spring force transmitted from the spring element to the cover device at the location of the cover device can be homogenized, so that, for example, on the opening path, for example, in addition to the closed position, an at least approximately equal force is transmitted to the cover device, which force, for example, at each point of the opening path, for example, in addition to the closed position, can be equal to the weight force of the cover device. In this way it is possible, for example, to ensure that the cover device is in force equilibrium.

As mentioned above, the cleaning device may especially be a dishwasher. The dishwasher may in particular be selected from a hood-type dishwasher and a straight-through dishwasher. A hood-type dishwasher is to be understood here in general as a dishwasher which has a base providing the floor of the cleaning chamber and at least one hood or casing as a covering device which completely or partially forms at least one side wall of the cleaning chamber and optionally at least one cover of the cleaning chamber and which can be moved upwards or downwards in order to release the cleaning chamber. A flow-through dishwasher is generally understood to be a dishwasher having at least one flow-through device, by means of which items to be cleaned, for example baskets with items to be cleaned, can be pushed into the cleaning chamber, for example from a push-in side, for example during an opening of the hood, and here on a second side, for example on a removal side, the items to be cleaned can be pushed out of the cleaning chamber again after a completed cleaning process. In practical language usage, the term flow-through dishwasher is also often used as a generic term and also includes, for example, hood dishwashers with flow-through devices and dishwashers in which only the side walls can be moved in order to open the rinsing chamber. A flow-through dishwasher generally does not comprise an active flow-through device but rather a manual dish flow-through operation. The feed-through means comprise, for example, a slide and/or a guide mechanism. For an example of such a hood dishwasher reference is made to the above cited prior art.

As mentioned above, the cover device may be designed in various ways. In particular, the covering means may be chosen from the group consisting of: a hood at least partially covering and/or enclosing the cleaning chamber; a housing at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber; sliding doors. Other embodiments of the cover device are also possible in principle. In particular, the cover device can also be designed in whole or in part as a door, a slide or a flap. In the following, preferred embodiments of the cover device designed completely or partially as a hood and/or housing will be described. The cover and/or the housing may be moved up or down, for example.

The opening path may have at least partially a vertical directional component. In general, therefore, the at least one cover device can be moved upwards, preferably in the vertical direction, in particular during opening of the cover device, and/or downwards, in particular during closing of the cover device. Such a vertical or at least sectionally vertical opening path can be implemented in particular in hood dishwashers and/or in flow-through dishwashers.

As already mentioned, the cover device can in particular have different potential energies, in particular different potential energies, in the closed position and in the open position. For example, the cover device may be arranged at least partially above the closed position in the open position, so that in particular the cover device has a greater potential energy in the open position than in the closed position. This embodiment can also be implemented in a hood dishwasher or also in a continuous dishwasher.

As already mentioned, the cleaning device can furthermore have, in particular, at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber. For example, one or more cleaning nozzles can be provided in the cleaning chamber, through which cleaning fluid can be sprayed and/or misted and/or dripped onto the items to be cleaned. In particular, one or more spray arms, in particular a rotary spray arm, may also be provided.

The cleaning device can be designed in particular as a commercial cleaning device, in particular as a commercial dishwasher. Commercial dishwashing machines are generally distinguished from domestic appliances in that separate systems are provided for the rinsing and rinsing processes. This means in particular that during the rinsing process, the rinsing liquid can already be prepared in a separate rinsing system, for example by means of a corresponding temperature control and/or a corresponding addition of additives, such as rinse aids. Accordingly, the cleaning device can have in particular at least one preparation tank, in particular at least one water heater (boiler), which is formed separately from the cleaning chamber, wherein the rinsing liquid can be temperature-controlled in the preparation tank when a rinsing process is already taking place in the cleaning chamber. After the rinsing process has ended, it is then possible, for example, to switch over to a rinsing process, in which the rinsing liquid can be pumped out of the rinsing chamber or can flow out of the rinsing chamber before the rinsing process is carried out using the previously prepared rinsing liquid. Then, at least one rinsing process may be followed, for example, by at least one drying process.

Other possible details relate to the force transmission means. The force transmission device may in particular have at least one transmission. A drive mechanism is generally understood to mean a machine element by means of which a movement parameter can be changed. For example, a change in force or torque can be achieved by means of the gear mechanism. In particular, the movement to be changed may be a rotational movement. The torque converter can in particular be a component of the transmission.

The drive can in particular comprise at least one traction mechanism drive, in particular at least one chain drive. A traction mechanism drive is understood here to mean, in general, a drive in which a torque is transmitted between two elements, for example between at least one shaft and at least one further element, in particular also between two shafts, by means of a traction mechanism, for example a traction mechanism wound around at least one shaft. A tensioning means is understood to mean, in general, a deformable, for example bendable or stretchable, elongate element, by means of which a tensioning force can be transmitted. For example, the force transmission device can have at least one pulling means, in particular a bendable pulling means. The pulling mechanism may in particular be selected from the group consisting of: chains, in particular roller chains, riveted transmission chains or link chains; a rope and/or rope transmission; an elastic band; a belt, in particular a toothed belt or a wedge belt. In principle, however, other pulling mechanisms can also be used.

In particular, the transfer device can be designed such that at least one pulling means is designed redundantly. For example, several pulling means can be provided for transmitting the pulling force from one element to the other element, which pulling means can be designed analogously, for example. Thus, for example, possible malfunctions due to breakage or other forms of damage or inoperability of the pulling mechanism may be prevented or minimized.

The torque converter may have at least one torque transmission element which is rotatably mounted about at least one axis. For example, the at least one pulling means can engage on the torque-transmitting element at least one engagement zone or point spaced apart from the axis by at least a distance R and apply a torque to the torque-transmitting element. The distance R may depend on the angular position of the torque-transmitting elements, for example in an arbitrary coordinate system, for example a polar coordinate system with the axes of the torque-transmitting elements as coordinate axes. In particular, the distance R can be varied over at least one angular range, wherein the variation can be selected, for example, from the group consisting of: a continuous variation; a change in stability, such as a decrease in stability or an increase in stability; and (4) changing step by step. Examples will be discussed in more detail below.

The torque converter may in particular comprise at least one sprocket wheel with at least one variable radius. The sprocket can thus be designed, for example, such that the sprocket has a different radius in at least one first angular range than in at least one other angular range.

The cover device can be connected to the shaft, in particular, via at least one first pulling mechanism. This connection can be made directly or also indirectly. The first pulling mechanism can connect the cover device directly to the axle or also via one or more steering wheels. In this way, the rotational movement of the shaft can be transferred or converted into an opening movement or a closing movement of the cover device. Alternatively or additionally, the opening or closing movement of the cover device can also be transmitted or converted into a rotational movement of the shaft. The shaft can be connected to the elastic element, in particular, via at least one second pulling mechanism. Here, a connection can also be made directly or indirectly, for example again by way of an intermediate connection of one or more intermediate elements. Steering may also be achieved by one or more steerable wheels. At least one torque converter with a variable transmission ratio can be arranged between the first traction mechanism and the shaft and/or between the shaft and the second traction mechanism. For example, a first pulling mechanism can be coupled to the shaft via at least one first sprocket and a second pulling mechanism can be coupled to the shaft via a sprocket having a variable radius. The sprocket via which the first pulling means engages on the shaft can be, for example, a sprocket with a constant radius. Alternatively, however, designs with variable radii are also possible. Alternatively, however, the first pulling mechanism can also be coupled to the shaft via a sprocket with a variable radius and the second pulling mechanism can be coupled to the shaft via a sprocket with a constant radius. Various designs are possible for achieving a variable transmission ratio in the opening path.

The elastic element can in particular have different states of tension at least two different positions of the cover device along the opening path. The torque converter can be designed in such a way that the different spring forces of the spring elements resulting from the different tension states are compensated by different transmission ratios, so that at different positions at least largely the same force acts on the cover device. Here, forces which are "at least largely identical" are generally to be understood as meaning identical forces or also forces which deviate from one another by, for example, not more than 20%, preferably not more than 10%, and particularly preferably not more than 5%. Since the spring force of the spring element is generally referred to as the deflection function of the spring element (for example when using an empirical measurement method or also when using hooke's law), the transmission ratio can be calculated in a simple manner in such a way that the same force or at least largely the same force acts on the cover device in two different positions and preferably over the entire opening path, for example in addition to the closed position.

The spring element, the cover device and the torque converter with its variable transmission ratio can in particular be arranged such that the cover device remains stationary in any position of the opening path without additional force. In this context, "additional force" is to be understood in general as any force which is not exerted on the cover device, the torque converter and the spring element by the weight of the components involved and/or the spring force of the at least one spring element. In particular, this may be a force which is applied manually by the operator and/or may also be a force which is applied by a force which is introduced by means of at least one additional motor. However, in a preferred design, the cover device should remain stationary in any position of the opening path without such additional force.

As mentioned above, one or more pulling mechanisms may be designed redundantly. Alternatively or additionally, at least one spring element can also be designed redundantly, so that at least two spring elements can be provided. In particular, the at least one elastic element may comprise at least two identical elastic elements. Due to redundancy, malfunctions, which may be caused, for example, by a break of the elastic element, can be at least partially reduced in their influence.

Furthermore, the spring element can have in particular at least one safety element, wherein the safety element can be designed to prevent/withstand (affangen) a fracture of the spring element or, if a plurality of spring elements are provided, to prevent a fracture of at least one of the spring elements. A security element is here understood generally to mean any element having the described security function. In particular, the safety element may be a mechanical element which prevents or reduces further movement of one or more elements within the force transmission device upon breakage of the resilient element. Thus, in case of a break of an elastic element, further movement of a redundant further elastic element, for example in the form of a further stretching of a second elastic element, can be reduced or prevented. The safety element can be realized in particular by means of at least one safety lever, as will be described in more detail below. Thus, for example, at least one safety lever can be provided, wherein the force transmission device is coupled to the safety lever in the event of a break of the spring element, so that, for example, a free movement of the force transmission device is prevented by the break of the spring element.

The coupling can be achieved, for example, in that the transmission element is jammed between the force transmission device and the safety lever as soon as a break of the elastic element occurs. By this jamming, a fixed coupling can be achieved, while in the normal state, in which the elastic element is not broken, the safety lever is for example supported slidingly with respect to the transmission element. The transmission element may for example comprise at least one balancing bar crossed by a safety bar. For example, two elastic elements can be joined to two mutually opposite ends of the stabilizer bar, wherein the stabilizer bar has a through-hole in the center, in which the safety bar is supported. The stabilizer bar can be balanced by means of two elastic elements, so that the safety bar does not jam in the normal state relative to the stabilizer bar. If, on the other hand, one of the spring elements breaks, the balancing bar is tilted relative to the safety bar by the spring force of the remaining spring element and is snapped onto the safety bar, so that the balancing bar can be fixedly coupled to the safety bar. The force transmission device, for example at least one pulling means of the force transmission device, can be coupled to the rocker in such a way that the force transmission device, in particular the pulling means of the force transmission device, can be coupled to the rocker in the event of jamming of the rocker. However, other types of security elements are also possible in principle.

Furthermore, the cover device may in particular have at least one operating element which can be operated by a user of the cleaning appliance in order to exert a force on the cover device and thereby bring the cover device from the closed position into the open position or vice versa. The at least one operating element may be mounted directly on the cover device and/or may be integrated completely or partially in the cover device. The actuating element can in particular have at least one handle, which can be connected to the hood, for example, or can be integrated completely or partially into the hood. The configuration and shape of the handle is in principle arbitrary. Shapes that allow ergonomic manipulation by an operator are preferred. Alternatively, the operating element may be indirectly engaged on the cover device.

Another possible embodiment relates to the spring element. Accordingly, the elastic element may be selected in particular from the group consisting of: a coil spring; a coil spring; a torsion spring; leaf springs/leaf springs; the elastic element is in particular an elastic band. However, alternatively or additionally, other designs are also possible. Furthermore, different types of elastic elements can also be combined with each other.

The elastic element can be extended to a maximum extent in particular in the closed position of the cover device. This may mean, in particular, that the elastic element has a first stretch in the open position and a second stretch in the closed position, wherein the second stretch is greater than the first stretch, and wherein, in an intermediate region along the open path between the closed position and the open position, no greater stretch occurs than in the closed position.

In addition to the above-mentioned force effect of the spring force of the spring element, the cleaning appliance may additionally have at least one electromechanical drive device for moving the covering device. In particular, the electromechanical drive device can have at least one electric motor. The electromechanical drive device can be selectively coupled to the cover device. For example, the electromechanical drive device can preferably be selectively coupled to the force transmission device. For example, the electromechanical drive may be coupled or coupleable to the shaft described above, to which the first and second traction mechanisms and the torque converter having a variable transmission ratio may also be coupled. Thus, for example, a rotational movement, which is transmitted to the shaft by an electromechanical drive, for example a motor, can also be transmitted to the cover device in the form of a force, for example in order to open the cover device.

Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device may also be equipped with other types of drive means for the covering means. For example, at least one drive device can be provided, which is selected from the group consisting of: a hydraulic drive, an electro-hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive, or an electro-pneumatic drive. However, other designs are also conceivable.

The cleaning appliance can also have at least one torque monitor for monitoring the torque applied to the covering device by the electromechanical drive. In this case, the torque can be detected directly at the cover device, directly at the drive device and/or also at any element between the electromechanical drive device and the cover device, for example in the force transmission device. Combinations of the possibilities are also conceivable. The force transmission means may also be used wholly or partly for transmitting force from the electromechanical drive means to the cover device. The torque monitoring device can be designed, for example, in such a way that the drive is automatically stopped, switched off or disengaged when a maximum torque, for example a predefined limit torque, occurs. Thus, the torque monitor may, for example, be selected from the group consisting of: a torque support; switches, in particular torque switches and/or limit switches; a torque sensor; a freewheel; and (4) ratchet wheels. Various other designs of the torque monitor are possible.

The cleaning device may also have at least one controller. This may be, for example, a central machine controller, by means of which one or more flushing programs can be controlled. For example, the controller may be arranged for controlling at least one rinsing process, at least one rinsing process and optionally at least one drying process. The controller may also be arranged to detect movement and/or position of the cover device. Such detection may be achieved, for example, by detecting the position and/or movement of the transfer device. Such monitoring may also be performed at other locations. For example, the cleaning apparatus and in particular the controller may be arranged to monitor the force and/or torque within the force transmission device.

The cleaning device may also have at least one guide element, wherein the guide element may be provided for guiding the covering device on the opening path. In this case, in particular, vertically oriented guidance can be involved. The guide element can in particular have at least one guide rail. For example, two rails may be provided on the outside of the cover. Other designs are also possible. The at least one guide element may in particular be arranged completely or partially outside the cleaning chamber.

As described above, in the second aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning an article to be cleaned is proposed. The method can be carried out in particular using a cleaning device according to the invention, in particular according to one or more of the embodiments described above and/or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below. Accordingly, reference may be made to the description of the cleaning device for possible definitions and/or options of the method.

The method comprises various method steps which may be carried out, for example, in the order described. However, different sequences are also possible in principle. Furthermore, the method may comprise additional, not mentioned method steps. Furthermore, one or more or all of the method steps can also be carried out repeatedly and/or continuously. Furthermore, two or more of the method steps or all of the method steps can also be carried out simultaneously or overlapping in time.

The method comprises at least one cleaning step, wherein cleaning of the items to be cleaned is performed in at least one cleaning chamber. The cleaning step may for example comprise at least one rinsing step and/or at least one rinsing step or a re-rinsing (rinsing with fresh water) step. Furthermore, the at least one cleaning step may optionally also comprise at least one drying step.

Furthermore, in the method, at least one covering device is used which at least partially surrounds the clean room. The method further comprises an opening step and/or a closing step, wherein the cover device performs a movement from the closed position to the open position or vice versa on the opening path.

The cover device is connected to the at least one spring element via the at least one force transmission device. The method at least comprises transmitting at least one spring force of the spring element to the cover device by means of a force transmission device. The force transmission device has at least one torque converter, wherein the torque converter has a transmission ratio that is variable in the opening path.

For further possible embodiments of the method, reference may be made to the above description of the cleaning device or to the following examples.

The proposed cleaning device and the proposed method have a number of advantages compared to known devices and methods and can be implemented in particular in hood dishwashers and straight-through dishwashers in an advantageous manner.

Thus, for example, the cover device, in particular the hood, can be guided outside the flushing chamber, for example on the rear side of the machine housing. The guide means can be realized, for example, by two guide elements in the form of rectangular profiles on the right and left sides of the machine, for example by means of rectangular or square tubes. The guide means can be arranged vertically, for example, and can be supported by three rollers, for example. Different designs of the guide are also possible. For example, a bracket can be formed on the guide profile in each case at the top in the forward direction, onto which bracket a completely preassembled cover can be pushed and locked with only a small number of fastening elements, for example two screws. In this way, a particularly easy to assemble guide device can be achieved.

At least one tensioning means, for example at least one roller chain, can be fastened to each guide, for example each guide profile, in each case at the lower part. The at least one pulling means can be guided, for example, via at least one deflection roller in the upper region of the machine housing and can also be placed, for example, on a sprocket in the lower region of the housing. Generally, each pulling mechanism may be tensioned without steering, or may be steered one or more times.

The two pulling means, for example roller chains, connected to the guide profile can be connected, for example, at their lower ends, to a sprocket wheel or sprocket wheel each. The two lower sprockets are torsionally rigidly connected to each other, for example by means of the shaft described above. Furthermore, a third sprocket or sprocket can be additionally assigned to the two lower sprockets, for example by mounting the third sprocket or sprocket on the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The third sprocket may for example be a torque transmitting element having a radius dependent on the angular position. A further chain can be arranged on the third sprocket opposite the two other chains, which further chain can be connected at the other end to at least one elastic element, for example to one or preferably several tension springs. The at least one elastic element, for example a tension spring, may for example be fixed in the upper part of the housing.

If the covering device, for example a hood, is closed, the two chains fastened from below to the guide profile can be released to a large extent from their wheels. Conversely, the third chains may be wound to a large extent around their pulleys and the tension springs may be tensioned. When lifting the cover device from the closed position, for example when lifting the hood, the first two chains may be wound onto their wheels. At the same time, the third chain may be loosened and at least one elastic element, such as a tension spring, may release the tension.

To compensate for the change in resilience in the path, the third wheel preferably has an effective radius and/or pitch circle that varies over the circumference, as described above. In this way, a torque converter with a variable transmission ratio can be realized particularly simply. Thus, a third sprocket or toothed disc connected to the at least one elastic element via the at least one third traction means can be used as a torque transmission element, which has an angular position-dependent spacing between the axis of rotation and the point of engagement of the third traction means. In this context, a point of engagement is generally understood to mean a circumferential point at which a tangential force or at least a force which is not entirely radial is applied to the torque transmission element. This can be, for example, the point at which the third traction means rises from the circumference of the torque transmission element.

By means of such an embodiment, it is possible, for example, to adapt the change in the spring force in the path and/or in the extension of the at least one spring element to the force actually required to compensate for the cover weight. In addition to a uniform and/or continuous radius reduction or radius increase of the at least one optional torque transmission element, an uneven adaptation can also be achieved. In order to dampen the movement in the end position, it is alternatively or additionally also possible to incorporate a sudden change in diameter on the sprocket wheel, for example.

The sprocket may be separately manufactured and assembled, for example, from metal. Furthermore, the individual parts of the wheel set, for example the guide discs, or the entire wheel set, can be made wholly or partly of plastic. The entire gear mechanism can thus be made, for example, entirely or partially of metal and/or plastic. Other materials, such as ceramic materials, may also be used.

The wheel set can be mounted, for example, by rolling bearings, which achieve low friction and thus can be operated easily.

In order to realize a machine embodiment of the cleaning device with a semi-automatic or fully automatic cover device, for example a hood, a motor and/or another type of electromechanical drive can be coupled to the transmission, for example to the wheel set. Such a coupling to the gear mechanism can also be realized, for example, by means of at least one pulling mechanism, for example, by means of at least one further chain and two pinions.

In addition, in the context of the proposed cleaning device, safety measures can be implemented in a simple manner. Thus, for example, in order to protect an operator from excessive closing forces of the automated covering device, in particular of the hood, one or more of the following safety measures can be implemented.

Thus, for example, an electromechanical drive, in particular an electric motor, can be fixed in such a way that its torque is absorbed via a torque support, for example a spring-loaded torque support. In the case of an excessively large torque, for example since a limit value or in the case of exceeding a limit value, this torque support is deflected in accordance with, for example, a limit value for the closing force on the covering device, in particular on the hood. This movement can be detected, for example, by means of a switch which transmits its signal to the control unit. The controller may then for example end the movement of the covering device, in particular the hood, and start the reverse movement.

Alternatively or additionally, for example, a rotary encoder can be integrated into the drive train, which is connected to the control unit. The controller may recognize that the signal of the rotary encoder is missing, for example, because the movement is obstructed. In this case, the controller may end the movement of the covering device, in particular the hood, and/or introduce other actions, such as a reverse movement.

In order to limit the possible pressing forces, the weight compensation force for the cover device, in particular the hood, can be coordinated with the closing force generated by the drive device in such a way that a safety value is not exceeded.

Various design concepts can be implemented in the cleaning device for the purpose of covering the weight of the device, in particular the cover. For example, especially for manual operation of the cover device, the weight of the cover device, especially the hood, in the entire opening path, which may also be referred to as the movement path, or over at least a part of the opening path, may be compensated 100% by the spring force acting on the cover device and converted by the force transmission device. Here, as mentioned above, tolerances may also be acceptable, for example tolerances of not more than 10%, in particular not more than 5% or even not more than 2%. Alternatively, deviations from such a 100% compensation can be provided only at one or more determined positions along the opening path. For example, in the closed position, the weight force of the cover device, in particular of the hood in its lower closed position, can only be compensated for incompletely, as a result of which the cover device or hood remains reliably closed during operation of the cleaning appliance. Alternatively or additionally, in this closed position, a blocking can naturally also be achieved.

Alternatively or additionally, a semi-automatic operation of the covering device, in particular a semi-automatic hood operation, may also be carried out. Preferably, in particular in this case, the weight compensation is provided over the entire opening path or over at least a part of the opening path in such a way that the covering device, in particular the hood, is automatically moved into the open position. Then, in order to operate the cleaning device, the operator generally needs to move the covering device, e.g. the hood, by hand to the closed position, in particular the lower position. The cover device can be automatically fixed and/or latched there, for example by means of at least one latching mechanism which can be operated, for example, by a control. At the end of the flushing cycle, the control can, for example, unlock the locking mechanism again, and the cover device can then, for example, be opened automatically or can be opened.

Alternatively or additionally, a fully automatic operation of the covering device may also be achieved. In particular, in this case, the weight of the covering device, in particular of the hood, can also be compensated by 100% over the entire opening path or over at least a part of the opening path. The drive mechanism may controllably move the cover device, e.g. by corresponding commands of a controller.

In summary, within the scope of the present invention, the following embodiments are particularly preferred:

embodiment 1: cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising at least one cleaning chamber and a cover device which at least partially encloses the at least one cleaning chamber, wherein the cover device can be moved on an opening path from a closed position into an open position or from the open position into the closed position, wherein the cover device is connected to at least one spring element via at least one force transmission device, wherein at least one spring force of the spring element can be transmitted to the cover device by means of the force transmission device, wherein the force transmission device has at least one torque converter, wherein the torque converter has a transmission ratio which is variable on the opening path.

Embodiment 2: the cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the cleaning device is a dishwasher.

Embodiment 3: the cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the dishwasher is selected from a hood dishwasher and a flow-through dishwasher.

Embodiment 4: the cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the covering device is selected from the group consisting of: a hood at least partially covering and/or enclosing the cleaning chamber; a housing at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber; a door, in particular one or more sliding doors.

Embodiment 5: the cleaning apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the open path has at least partially a perpendicular directional component.

Embodiment 6: the cleaning apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover device has different potential energies, in particular different potential energies, in the closed position and the open position.

Embodiment 7: the cleaning apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover device in the open position is at least partially disposed above the closed position.

Embodiment 8: the cleaning apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid onto the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber.

Embodiment 9: the cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device has at least one preparation tank, in particular a water heater (boiler), formed separately from the cleaning chamber, wherein the rinsing liquid can be temperature-controlled in the preparation tank while a rinsing process is being carried out in the cleaning chamber.

Embodiment 10: the cleaning appliance according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the force transmission device has at least one transmission mechanism, wherein the torque converter is an integral part of the transmission mechanism.

Embodiment 11: the cleaning appliance according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the transmission comprises at least one traction mechanism transmission, in particular at least one chain transmission.

Embodiment 12: the cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the force transmission device has at least one pulling mechanism, in particular a bendable pulling mechanism.

Embodiment 13: the cleaning apparatus according to the previous embodiment, wherein the pulling mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a chain, in particular a roller chain, a riveted drive chain and/or an articulated chain; a rope or rope drive; an elastic band; a belt, in particular a toothed belt or a cogged belt.

Embodiment 14: the cleaning device according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the pulling mechanism is designed redundantly.

Embodiment 15: the cleaning appliance according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the torque converter has at least one torque transmission element which is rotatably mounted about at least one axis, wherein at least one pulling means engages on the torque transmission element and exerts a torque on the torque transmission element at least one engagement region or engagement point which is spaced from the axis by at least a spacing R, wherein the spacing R depends on the angular position of the torque transmission element.

Embodiment 16: the cleaning apparatus of the previous embodiment, wherein the spacing R varies over at least one angular range.

Embodiment 17: the cleaning apparatus according to the previous embodiment, wherein the variation is selected from the group consisting of a continuous variation; a stable change; a set of stepwise changes.

Embodiment 18: the cleaning apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the torque converter has at least one sprocket with a variable radius.

Embodiment 19: the cleaning appliance according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the covering device is connected to the shaft via at least one first pulling mechanism, whereby a rotational movement of the shaft can be converted into an opening or closing movement of the covering device and/or whereby an opening or closing movement of the covering device can be converted into a rotational movement of the shaft.

Embodiment 20: the cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the shaft is connected with the elastic element via at least one further traction mechanism, wherein at least one torque converter with a variable transmission ratio is arranged between the first traction mechanism and the shaft and/or between the shaft and the further traction mechanism.

Embodiment 21: the cleaning appliance according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the elastic element has different tension states at least two different positions of the cover device along the opening path, wherein the torque converter is designed in such a way that the different spring forces resulting from the different tension states of the elastic element are compensated by different transmission ratios, as a result of which at different positions at least substantially the same force acts on the cover device.

Embodiment 22: the cleaning appliance according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the elastic element, the cover device and the torque converter with its variable transmission ratio are arranged such that the cover device remains stationary in any position of the opening path without additional force.

Embodiment 23: the cleaning apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the resilient element is designed redundantly.

Embodiment 24: cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the elastic element has at least one safety element, wherein the safety element prevents (withstands) a breaking of the elastic element.

Embodiment 25: the cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the safety element has at least one safety lever, wherein the force transmission means are coupled to the safety lever in the event of a break of the elastic element.

Embodiment 26: the cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the coupling to the safety bar is achieved by jamming the transmission element, in particular the balancing bar through which the safety bar passes.

Embodiment 27: a cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover device further has at least one operating element, wherein the operating element is operable by a user of the cleaning device to apply a force to the cover device and thereby bring the cover device from the closed position to the open position or vice versa.

Embodiment 28: the cleaning appliance according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the operating element has at least one handle, wherein the handle engages on the covering device, in particular directly.

Embodiment 29: the cleaning apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the resilient element is selected from the group consisting of: a coil spring; a coil spring; a torsion spring; a plate spring; elastic elements, in particular elastic bands.

Embodiment 30: the cleaning apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the resilient element is maximally stretched in the closed position of the cover device.

Embodiment 31: the cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device further has at least one electromechanical drive for moving the covering device.

Embodiment 32: the cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the electromechanical drive has at least one electric motor.

Embodiment 33: the cleaning appliance according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the electromechanical drive means can be selectively connected to the covering means.

Embodiment 34: the cleaning device according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the electromechanical drive means can be coupled to the force transmission means.

Embodiment 35: the cleaning appliance according to any of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning appliance further has at least one torque monitor for monitoring the torque exerted by the electromechanical drive means on the covering device.

Embodiment 36: the cleaning apparatus of the previous embodiment, wherein the torque monitor is selected from the group consisting of: a torque support; switches, in particular torque switches and/or limit switches; a torque sensor; a freewheel; and (4) ratchet wheels.

Embodiment 37: the cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device further has at least one controller, wherein the controller is arranged for detecting the movement and/or position of the covering device.

Embodiment 38: the cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device is further arranged for monitoring the force and/or torque within the force transmission means.

Embodiment 39: the cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device has at least one guiding element, wherein the guiding element is provided for guiding the covering means on the opening path.

Embodiment 40: the cleaning apparatus according to the previous embodiment, wherein the guide member has at least one guide rail.

Embodiment 41: the cleaning device according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the guiding element is arranged outside the cleaning chamber.

Embodiment 42: a method for cleaning an item to be cleaned, in particular with the use of a cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising: cleaning the items to be cleaned in at least one cleaning chamber, wherein at least one covering device is used which at least partially surrounds the cleaning chamber, wherein the method further comprises: the cover device is moved on an opening path from a closed position into an open position or vice versa, wherein the cover device is connected to at least one spring element via at least one force transmission device, wherein at least one spring force of the spring element is transmitted to the cover device by means of the force transmission device, wherein the force transmission device has at least one torque converter, wherein the torque converter has a transmission ratio which is variable on the opening path.

Drawings

Further details and features of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the dependent claims. The individual features can be realized individually or in combination with one another in the form of a plurality. The present invention is not limited to these examples. These embodiments are schematically illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numbers indicate identical or functionally identical elements or elements which correspond to one another in their function.

Specifically, the method comprises the following steps:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary front view of a flow-through dishwasher and a hood dishwasher in which the invention may be implemented;

fig. 2 shows a side view of the hood dishwasher according to fig. 1;

fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a force transmission device and a spring element for weight compensation of a hood dishwasher; and

fig. 4 shows an example of a safety element for protecting against breakage of an elastic element in the embodiment according to fig. 3.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, an embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the cleaning device 110 is designed as a flow-through dishwasher 112 with an inlet station or intake station 114, a hood dishwasher 116 and an outlet station 118. The cleaning device 110 is shown in a front view in fig. 1. In fig. 2, the hood dishwasher 116 is again shown in a side view.

In addition to the hood dish 116, the flow-through dishwasher 112 comprises, in the region of the intake table 114, an exemplary tub 120 and a hose spray 122 for pre-cleaning items 124 to be cleaned, which may be, for example, dishes or other types of items to be cleaned mentioned. The items to be cleaned can be introduced into the cleaning chamber 128 of the cleaning device 110, for example, by means of one or more cutlery baskets 126. There, one or more cleaning fluids can be applied to the items 124 to be cleaned, for example by means of one or more application devices, for example nozzle systems, which are not shown in greater detail in fig. 1 and 2.

The hood dishwasher 116 has a base 130 with, for example, a rack 132. Furthermore, the hood-type dishwasher 116 comprises a cover device 134, which is designed in this embodiment as a hood 136. The cover 136 may be opened on an open path and is shown in fig. 1 and 2 in a closed position in solid lines and an open position in phantom lines, respectively. The hood dish washing machine 116 also has at least one operating element 138 in the form of a handle 140. In fig. 2, the handle 140 is shown in a closed position in solid lines and in an open position in phantom lines, similar to the illustration of the cover 136. The handle 140 is, for example, directly engaged to the cover 136.

At least one controller 148 may also be disposed in the base 130 of the hood dish washer 116. Furthermore, further elements can be arranged in the base 130, for example at least one preparation tank, for example at least one water heater, in which the temperature of the rinsing liquid can be controlled. These elements are not shown in the figures.

The cleaning device 110 has guide elements 150 on its rear side on both sides, one of which guide elements 150 is shown schematically in fig. 3. The guide element 150 can, as shown in fig. 3, have, for example, a guide rail 152 or another type of guide profile, for example a rectangular profile in the form of a rectangular tube and/or a square tube. As shown in fig. 3, the guide elements are arranged vertically. Each guide element 150 is supported, for example, by rollers 154, for example three rollers on each side. A bracket 156 is formed on the guide element 150 in front of the upper part, on which bracket the, for example, completely preassembled cover 136 can be attached and fastened, for example, with only a few fastening elements, for example two bolts.

On each guide element 150, a first pulling mechanism 158, for example at least one first roller chain, is fastened on the underside. The first pull mechanisms 158 are each guided in an upper region of the housing of the cleaning appliance 110 via a deflecting roller 160. Furthermore, the first pulling mechanisms 158 are each placed onto a first sprocket 162 in the lower region of the housing. The illustrated arrangement of the guide element 150, the first pulling mechanism 158, the deflecting roller 160 and the first chain wheel 162 is arranged reproducibly on opposite sides of the rear face of the cleaning device 110, whereby there are two first chain wheels 162, for example of the same type, of which only one is shown in fig. 3 for the sake of simplicity of illustration. The two first chain wheels 162 are torsionally rigidly connected to one another by a shaft 164 on which they are mounted in a rotationally fixed manner. A torque converter 166 is also torsionally rigidly attached to the shaft 164. The torque converter comprises a rotatably mounted torque transmission element 168, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed in the form of a third sprocket 170. The third sprocket 170 is rotatably supported about the axis of the shaft 164. Furthermore, a third pulling mechanism 172 is placed on the third sprocket 170, which third pulling mechanism rises from the third sprocket 170 at a joint 174 and is connected on its other end with, in this embodiment, two elastic elements 176. The cover 136 is shown in a closed position in fig. 3. During movement along the open path, guide member 150 moves upward and first sprocket 162 rotates in rotational direction 178. During this opening movement, the third sprocket 170 rotates in a rotational direction 180 that is, for example, the same as the rotational direction 178.

The torque-transmitting elements 168 in the form of third sprockets 170 are in this case designed with non-uniform radii, as can be seen in fig. 3. This means that the spacing R between the engagement point 174 and the axis varies with the angular position of the torque-transmitting member 168. However, the torque transmitted by the third pulling mechanism 172 to the shaft 164 also changes, since the torque depends on the angular position of the sprocket 170.

When the cover 136 is closed, the two chains of the first pulling mechanism 158, which is fixed to the guide rail 152 from below, are largely released from the sprocket 162. In contrast, the third pulling means 172, which is likewise designed, for example, in the form of a roller chain, is wound to a large extent around its third sprocket 170 and the spring element 176, which is designed, for example, as a tension spring, is tensioned, as is shown in fig. 3. When the cover 136 is lifted, the two first pulling mechanisms 158 wind up on their wheels 162. At the same time, the third pulling mechanism 172 is released (unwound) and the elastic element 176 releases the tension.

To compensate for the change in spring force of the spring element 176 in the opening path, the third sprocket 170 has an effective radius and/or pitch circle that varies circumferentially, as described above. By means of this design, the change in the spring force in the opening path or in the tension can be adapted to the force actually required to compensate for the weight of the cover 136. In addition to a uniform and/or continuous radius decrease or radius increase, a non-uniform adaptation of the effective radius R can also be achieved. Thus, for example, a sudden diameter change can also be introduced into the sprocket in order to damp the movement in the end position.

The traction mechanism 158 and the torque converter 166 are part of a force transmission device 182, by means of which the spring force of the at least one spring element 176 can be transmitted in a switchable manner to the cover device 134. Other components of the force transmission device can be a steering wheel 160 and a first chain wheel 162 and a shaft 164. Torque converter 166, and therefore the entire force transfer device 182, has a gear ratio that is variable over the open path due to the effective radius R, which is variable with angular position. The torque converter 166 is thus, for example, a component of a gear mechanism 184, which has a variable gear ratio that varies in the opening path of the cover 136.

Sprockets 162, 170 can be made and assembled separately from metal, for example. Furthermore, the individual parts of the wheel set, for example the guide discs, can also be made entirely or partially of plastic. It is also conceivable for the entire wheel set to be made of plastic. The wheel set is preferably mounted by means of rolling bearings, which results in less friction and therefore in a lighter operation. The sprocket 162 and the shaft 164 as well as the pulling means 158,172 can be further components of the transmission 184.

In order to be able to implement a machine design with a semiautomatic and/or fully automatic cover 136, at least one electromechanical drive 186, for example at least one electric motor, may optionally be coupled to the wheel set, to the force transmission 182 or also to the gear 184. The electromechanical drive can be coupled, for example, by means of a further chain 188 and/or other type of pulling mechanism and by means of two pinions 190, which can be of the same type or also of different types, and/or by means of other transmission mechanisms with fixed or variable transmission ratios.

In order to protect the operator from excessive closing forces of the semiautomatic or fully automatic covers, various solutions can be used in the case of alternative semiautomatic or also fully automatic covers. Thus, for example, the electric motor can be fixed in such a way that its torque is absorbed by the spring-loaded torque support 192. In the event of excessive torque, such as excessive closing force on the cover 136, the torque support 192 is deflected. This movement can be recognized, for example, by means of a switch 194, which can transmit its signal to the controller 148. The controller 148 may then, for example, end the movement of the shroud 136 and optionally begin the reverse movement.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one rotary encoder may be integrated in the force transmission device 182, which comprises an electromechanical drive device 186, which rotary encoder may likewise be connected to the controller 148. The rotary encoder is not shown in fig. 3. The controller 148 may, for example, recognize that the signal of the rotary encoder is missing, for example because the motion is impeded. In this case, the controller 148 may, for example, end the movement of the mask and/or begin a reverse movement at this time. In order to limit the clamping forces that may occur, the weight compensation force for the cover 136 can be adapted to the closing force generated by the drive device in such a way that a safety value is not exceeded.

Various designs of weight compensation are possible. Examples are:

for manual hood operation: the weight of the cover 136 can be 100% compensated over almost the entire path of movement. In the lower end position only, i.e. in the closed position, the weight cannot be compensated for completely, for example, so that the cover 136 remains reliably closed during operation.

For semi-automatic hood operation: the weight compensation can be adjusted over the entire opening path or displacement path in such a way that the cover is automatically displaced into the open position. To operate the cleaning device 110, the operator may manually move the cover 136 to the lower, closed position. There, the cover is automatically secured and/or latched, for example, by a separate mechanism operable by the controller 148. At the end of the cleaning cycle, the machine controller 148 may unlock the shroud 136 and the latter may be opened.

For fully automatic hood operation: the weight of the cover 136 may be 100% compensated throughout the path of travel. The drive mechanism may move the hood in response to commands from the machine controller 148.

In order to increase the safety of the operator in the event of a failure of a single component of the weight compensation, for example, a plurality of elements of the force transmission device 182 can be designed redundantly. Thus, instead of a single third pulling mechanism 172, for example a single third chain, two chains may be used, for example side by side or "back to back". Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the third pulling mechanism 172 may be supplemented by further deformable members and/or pulling mechanisms, such as a rope, which is able to absorb the pulling force in case of a chain break.

Other possible designs relate to safety elements which ensure safety in the event of a break in at least one elastic element 176. The spring element 176 can thus have, for example, at least one safety element 196, which can be, for example, a component of the spring element 176 directly or can also be connected to the spring element 176, which should also be included. For example, the safety element 196 may comprise a prevention element or a prevention device, which in this embodiment is exemplarily coupled with the two elastic elements 176. The safety element may have, for example, at least one safety lever 198, wherein the force transmission device 182 may be coupled to the safety lever 198 in the event of a break in the at least one spring element 176 or in the event of a plurality of spring elements 176. As can be seen in particular in fig. 4, this coupling can be realized by means of at least one transmission element 200. The transmission element 200 can be designed in particular as a rocker 202, as is shown by way of example in fig. 4. The stabilizer bar is connected at its outer ends symmetrically to the two spring elements 176 and has a hole 204 in the center, through which a safety bar 198 acting as a catch bar is guided. At the lower end, the third pulling mechanism 172 is coupled to the balance bar 202.

In normal operation, the spreader beam 202 slides freely on the safety lever 198 and the lower suspension point of the third pulling mechanism 172 moves as the elastic element 176 is stretched. If one of the spring elements 176 now breaks, then there is no longer a symmetrical force introduction on the balancing bar 202. The spreader beam 202 tilts on the safety lever 198 and is thereby caught and fixed. Thus preventing uncontrolled lowering of the cap 136.

As mentioned above, in particular two first pulling mechanisms 158 can be provided. But different numbers are also possible. Furthermore, two or more of the elements may also be combined, in whole or in part. Thus, for example, the two first tensioning means 158 can also be designed to be shorter and connected, for example, to a single chain, which can then be connected individually via a wheel set to the weight-compensating spring element 176.

Instead of the roller chains described, the invention can also be implemented with other flexible or deformable pulling mechanisms or also in combination with different types of pulling mechanisms. For example, riveted drive chains, link chains, belts or ropes may be used.

In summary, the movement of the covering device or hood on the described cleaning device can be realized very smoothly, since a very smooth operation of the entire mechanism can be ensured even over long operating times. Furthermore, very quiet operation can be achieved. Furthermore, by means of permanent lubrication of the movable components, a low maintenance or even maintenance-free cleaning device 110 can be achieved.

The cover 136 can be mounted particularly simply and quickly by the simple mounting described above. In addition, a very large opening path of the cover 136, in particular a very large lift, can be achieved. A large through-opening height can thus also be achieved in the illustrated through-dishwasher 112.

Furthermore, the cleaning device shown is extremely flexible in terms of adaptation to the effective compensation forces on the hood 136. For this purpose, the radius or effective radius R at the torque transmission element 168 need only be adapted accordingly.

Furthermore, as described above, safety measures against the occurrence of a failure of a single component can be implemented over a wide range.

Furthermore, the cleaning device as a whole has a very high flexibility with regard to handling. Thus, easy changes are possible, for example, from a manually operated mask 136 to an automatic or semi-automatic mask 136. In this way, a modular construction is also possible in particular. Furthermore, there is also a good possibility of coordination for an automated cover system.

List of reference numerals

110 cleaning device

112 straight-through type dish-washing machine

114 entry station

116-hood dish washing machine

118 outlet table

120 basin

122 hose sprayer

124 article to be cleaned

126 tableware basket

128 clean room

130 base

132 bracket

134 cover device

136 cover

138 operating element

140 handle

146 side wall

148 controller

150 guide element

152 guide rail

154 roller

156 cantilever

158 first pulling mechanism

160 reversing wheel

162 first sprocket

164 shaft

166 torque converter

168 Torque transmitting element

170 third sprocket

172 third pulling mechanism

174 at the junction point

176 elastic element

178 first direction of rotation

180 second direction of rotation

182 force transmission device

184 drive mechanism

186 electromechanical drive

188 chain

190 pinion

192 Torque support

194 switch

196 Security element

198 safety pole

200 transfer element

202 balance bar

204 holes

Claims

1. A cleaning device (110) for cleaning an item (124) to be cleaned, comprising at least one cleaning chamber (128) and at least one cover device (134) at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber (128), wherein the cleaning device is a dishwasher, the dishwasher being selected from a hood dishwasher or a flow-through dishwasher, wherein the cover device is selected from the group consisting of: a hood at least partially covering and/or enclosing the cleaning chamber; a housing at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber; door, wherein the cover device (134) is movable on an opening path from a closed position into an open position or vice versa, wherein the cover device (134) is connected to at least one spring element (176) via at least one force transmission device (182), wherein at least one spring force of the spring element (176) can be transmitted to the cover device (134) by means of the force transmission device (182), wherein the force transmission device (182) has at least one torque converter (166), wherein the torque converter (166) has a transmission ratio that is variable on the opening path, wherein the force transmission device (182) has at least one transmission mechanism (184), wherein the torque converter (166) is a component of the transmission mechanism (184), wherein the transmission mechanism (184) comprises at least one traction mechanism transmission device, wherein the cleaning apparatus (110) further has at least one electromechanical drive device (186) for moving the cover device, the electromechanical drive device has at least one electric motor, wherein the cleaning device (110) further has at least one control unit (148) which is provided for detecting a movement and/or a position of the covering device.

2. The cleaning apparatus (110) according to claim 1, wherein the force transmission device (182) has at least one pulling mechanism (158,172).

3. The cleaning apparatus (110) of claim 2, wherein the pulling mechanism (158,172) is selected from the group consisting of a chain; a rope or rope drive; an elastic band; belts.

4. A cleaning device (110) according to claim 3, wherein the chain is a roller chain, a riveted drive chain or an articulated chain.

5. A cleaning device (110) according to claim 3, wherein the belt is a toothed belt or a wedge belt.

6. Cleaning device (110) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the torque converter (166) has at least one torque transmission element (168) which is rotatably supported about at least one axis, wherein at least one traction means (172) engages on the torque transmission element (168) and exerts a torque on the torque transmission element (168) at least one engagement zone or engagement point (174) which is spaced apart from the axis by at least a distance R, wherein the distance R depends on the angular position of the torque transmission element (168).

7. The cleaning apparatus (110) of claim 6, wherein the pitch R varies over at least one angular range, wherein the variation is selected from the group consisting of continuous variation; a stable change; and (4) changing step by step.

8. The cleaning device (110) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the torque converter (166) has at least one variable radius sprocket.

9. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the covering means (134) is connected with the shaft (164) via at least one first pulling mechanism (158), whereby a rotational movement of the shaft (164) can be converted into an opening or closing movement of the covering means (134) or vice versa.

10. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 9, wherein the shaft (164) is connected with the elastic element (176) via at least one further pulling mechanism (172), wherein at least one torque converter (166) with a variable transmission ratio is arranged between the first pulling mechanism (158) and the shaft (164) and/or between the shaft (164) and the further pulling mechanism (172).

11. Cleaning appliance (110) according to claim 10, wherein the spring element (176) has different tension states at least two different positions of the cover device (134) along the opening path, wherein the torque converter (166) is designed such that different spring forces, which are determined by the different tension states of the spring element (176), are compensated by different transmission ratios, as a result of which at least largely identical forces act on the cover device (134) at the different positions.

12. A cleaning device (110) according to claim 10, wherein the resilient element (176), the cover device (134) and the torque converter (166) with its variable transmission ratio are arranged such that the cover device (134) remains stationary in any position of the open path without additional force.

13. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 10, wherein the resilient element (176) has at least one safety element (196), the safety element (196) preventing a breaking of the resilient element (176).

14. Cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (110) further has at least one torque monitor for monitoring the torque applied to the covering means (134) by the electromechanical drive means.

15. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the door is one or more sliding doors.

16. A method for cleaning articles (124) to be cleaned, comprising cleaning the articles (124) to be cleaned in at least one cleaning chamber (128), wherein at least one covering device (134) at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber (128) is used, wherein the cleaning apparatus is a dishwasher, which is selected from the group consisting of a hood-type dishwasher or a flow-through dishwasher, wherein the covering device is selected from the group consisting of: a hood at least partially covering and/or enclosing the cleaning chamber; a housing at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber; the method further comprises moving the cover device (134) on an opening path from a closed position to an open position or from an open position to a closed position, wherein the cover device (134) is connected to at least one spring element (176) via at least one force transmission device (182), wherein at least one spring force of the spring element (176) is transmitted to the cover device (134) by means of the force transmission device (182), wherein the force transmission device (182) has at least one torque converter (166), which torque converter (166) has a transmission ratio that is variable in the opening path, wherein the force transmission device (182) has at least one transmission mechanism (184), the torque converter (166) is a component of the transmission mechanism (184), the transmission mechanism (184) comprises at least one traction mechanism transmission device, wherein the cover device is moved by means of at least one electromechanical drive device (186), the electromechanical drive device has at least one electric motor, wherein the movement and/or the position of the cover device is detected by means of at least one controller (148).

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the door is one or more sliding doors.